Johnny Depp adopted by Native American tribe during film research

Johnny Depp is going from screen pirate to Native American after being accepted into a tribe in New Mexico while researching a film role.

Depp is currently researching a role in The Lone Ranger (Picture: EPA)

Depp has been made a member of a tribe ahead of a starring role in a big screen version of The Lone Ranger.

The actor has been adopted by the Comanche Nation tribe, which is based in New Mexico

Depp will play Tonto, the masked Texas lawman’s loyal sidekick, in a film version of the seminal western series. LaDonna Harris, a Comanche and president of Americans for Indian Opportunity, heard about his film role and invited the 48-year-old to join the tribe.

‘I reached out and Johnny was very receptive to the idea,’ she told the website Indian Country.

‘He seemed proud to receive the invitation and we were honoured that he so enthusiastically agreed.

‘He’s a very thoughtful human being and throughout his life and career he has exhibited traits that are aligned with the values and world view that indigenous peoples share.’